Sini, the quiet hero

My friend Sini Saarela is in jail in Murmansk, along with many other Greenpeace International activists. They are some of the first people in the world to face long jail sentences because they followed their conviction and acted against climate change, because they peacefully demonstrated against Arctic oil drilling. Sini and the Arctic activists are doing something which millions of people would agree is very urgent: keeping fossil fuels away from our atmosphere.

Henry Thoreau, Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King all claimed that there will be times when individual people have a moral duty to conduct civil disobedience. I believe, that with the climate crisis getting worse, we have now reached such a moment.

Let's have a recap of the facts. Russian oil giant Gazprom, disregarding the climate crisis, is rushing ahead with Arctic oil drilling. It’s doing so in an area of ocean which is newly accessible because of climate change, and where an oil spill would do irreversible damage. Nevertheless, the operation of Gazprom is considered legal, while Sini is sitting in a jail in Murmansk. This picture is everything that is wrong with our planet.

Thoreau, who in 1849 led the debate on slavery in the United States, argued that individuals should not let states or current laws silence the voice of their conscience. Gandhi urged people to join a peaceful movement against injustice. Civil disobedience does not mean anarchy or lawlessness. On the contrary, the people doing it are facing up to the possible legal consequences of their actions. They are trying to change the sense of justice of people in our societies, and eventually change the laws.

Protests by individuals have often led to great changes. Without the courage of Rosa Parks who refused to follow the racial segregation laws of Alabama and give up her seat on a bus, Barack Obama would maybe not be a president of the United States. He might not even be allowed to vote.

After years of climate campaigning, we have reached a decisive moment. The threat of climate change is officially acknowledged by most governments, but this does not translate into action. The UN recently published a new report about climate change which gives a dark picture of the world we are sliding into, if the trends are not turned around. No parent would wish this future for their children and no young person can face it with optimism. We can still avoid this future but we need action now, not at some point later.

In a more rational universe it would not be Sini and her friends but the presidents of United States, EU, China, and out other political leaders, demanding that Russia think twice before drilling in the Arctic. The situation is starkly different. The Arctic oil rush reminds us the last days of Easter Island, a race to see who can erect the last statue, cut the last tree.

I have known Sini for years. She is genuinely one of the most moral persons I know. You know, a person who has difficulty idly accepting injustice, whereas I have become very good at soothing the pinpricks of my conscience because this is also how other people act. Sini is also one of the most brave persons I’ve ever met. She understood the risks of where she was going, even if nobody expected these absurd charges to materialise. I do not think I would have courage to face Gazprom for the second time, like Sini has done. This is true conviction. I am proud to say that I know such a person.

Many people are irritated by activism. It is a prickly wake up call for us, whose moral sense might be a bit dulled, whose inner voice has become weak. Many people do not want to accept this challenge. They want to deny the risk of climate change. In some countries like Finland, people hide behind the backs of the government or legality. But no politician is on the right track to save us - or our children. This role is left to Sini and those who will find their courage and their sense of justice in the face of the climate battle.

In Finland, a lot of our countrymen have judged Sini harshly, even wishing her time in a Russian prison. I can only imagine what kind of comments were heard when people first stood up to end slavery, or ban racial segregation, or demand for voting rights for women. Often the people who have tried to wake us up have not been well treated. We have not wished to hear the message. When I read the complacent or aggressive comments to news about Sini, I again feel that we have not really deserved these heroes. We have not deserved the personal risk that Sini has taken for climate cause. But even then Sini acts. Because it is the right thing to do.

Harri Lammi is a climate and energy campaigner working in Helsinki and Beijing. According to GP-web site.........

what kind of work he i...

Harri Lammi is a climate and energy campaigner working in Helsinki and Beijing. According to GP-web site.........

what kind of work he is doing there ??? Whom he is disturbing in doing their work ??? How much he gets paid for his work ??? How he is travelling to Beijing ??? By Greenpiss sailing boat ???

What could it be in Finland ??? Nokia, Rauma Repola, UPM Kymmene, Outokumpu Värtsila........ ???

I would like to know more about his "work" in Beijing !!! I, as usaul think I will get NO answer, but I will ask my nephew to get some informations..............
he is working in Hong Kong and probably he can give much better life to his family due to his earnings than this finnish "warrior"............... I am proud of his carreer, same like my 2 children !!! All 3 love our planet and try to take care in daily life.............. But they NEVER could think of violating a countries laws and then start this heartbreaking cryings afterwards when they got caught in their violating actions.

It is your right to be proud of this GP.............but please also face reality in daily life and take the punishment you will get for violating other peoples private life !!! :-) :-)

On german GP site I just read this touching letter of Kumi Naidoo to President Putin...........

Why he not any longer is Dr. Putin ???
...

On german GP site I just read this touching letter of Kumi Naidoo to President Putin...........

Why he not any longer is Dr. Putin ???

Instead of writing in english language you better should have posted it in german language which he due to his career speaks fluently for example with german Chancellor Angela Merkel........

And what GP actually aspects by this action ??? Russian President takes step to put russian law out of order just for the sake of Greenpeace ???

I really wonder how naive these dreaming people can be ..........!!

Start to face reality !!! Your "activists" have violated a lot of russian laws, they are now in prison for 2 months due to these laws..........

STOP your crying and lamentations and let these people face justice according to the russian laws they have violated !!

As the multinational organisation you are I am sure you will support your "heroes" with all the best lawyers and ALL the experts you have stated on your web site......... I think Dr. !!! Putin will not attend this parody but instead he will trust his people in Court in Murmansk.

I look forward to meet so many naive persons in one place when Court Session in Murmansk will take place. :-)

Even ordinary people in Murmansk wait you very much !!! Your apperance and all the media following you naive people will give a nice profit in hotels, restaurants ................
even local stores wait you in hope you will buy some toilet paper, even you might continue your habit of shitting in green buckets.........

It is amazing to read your "heroic" fairy tales and see your videos........... and then listen your cryings and lamentations if something is developing against your fairy tales...............

God whats up with all these assholes talking about 2 stroke engines and the GP diesel boat. Its very depressing reading the comments here - makes me ...

God whats up with all these assholes talking about 2 stroke engines and the GP diesel boat. Its very depressing reading the comments here - makes me never want to have children. Is the world really just filling up with total dickheads who point fingers whenever they have a chance.

Who cares about the 2 stroke bloody outboard engine. Yes it sucks so what then? Go home and forget about it? Sail? Sod off you assholes and see it for what it is, not for your ability to point out minor hypochrisy.

Germapi = lots of well paid trolls and antagonists here, nothing more, nothing less is what they are, trying to twist the truth of a simple act of wis...

Germapi = lots of well paid trolls and antagonists here, nothing more, nothing less is what they are, trying to twist the truth of a simple act of wishing to hang a banner. Focusing on a piddling amount of fuel spent by Greenpeace activists needed to light the world, compared to the 80 million barrels of oil and it's carbon released into our atmosphere and oceans every day. Why criticize Greenpeace for this, when you yourself actively support these 80 million barrels of crude per day to continue. You speak with forked tongue, and for this you have no credibility. You criticize the US for Agent Orange, Guantanamo, the wars in Viet Nam, Iraq, Afghanistan, etc. Don't you realize that Greenpeace has always been against these abominations? Yes you do, and I know you do. But you are an assassin. That is what you do. You can have the last word Germapi, because you will ever be the professional antagonist and you have no consideration or understanding of the heart and soul of Greenpeace. God help you to see the light of day, and for these professional heroes to be returned to their homes safely. You know no Love Germapi, you are a slave to your hatred, cruel thoughts, and the truly evil corporations you support.

I even have bought some more shares of Gazprom............. the earnings when value will be going up wil...

You are ABSOLUTELY right !!!!

I even have bought some more shares of Gazprom............. the earnings when value will be going up will pay for the appartment I bought in Russia last year to have a basis there when I am travelling in this beautiful country. It is cheaper than staying in hotels and during the time I do not need apartment it is rented to business people visiting the city. Next year there will be Olympic Games in Sochi............ I wait this event VERY much as lot of people are interested in renting the apartment !!! :-)
It is totally new apartment equipped with furniture from IKEA. Good quality on a reasonable price level. Most of IKEA items today bear leaflet............... Made in PRC !!!!

They are NOT polluting at all !!!

You can talk ALL what you want and come with all your phrases........ I only wonder why this glorious association is NOT able to answer just some few simple questions ??? Again and again you start your usual phrases............ and people are tired of listening these nothing saying words!!!

I will follow this case in Court in Murmansk next month and I hope alle these Greenpeace "experts" will be there too to support the "professional heroes"........... :-)
I then would like to take a personal discussion with them eye to eye and explain to them some very simple rules about other people's property, especially when we talk about Russia.

Greenpeace knows the rules VERY well as they only place ONE protester at Gazprom's Headquarter in Moscow.
Why they do this ???
Because they do not DARE to arrange their glorious protests there, well knowing what will be the reaction of russian security forces.

In Arctic GP had hope of doing some spectacular action at the oil rigg of Gazprom and afterwards show glorious and heroic pictures in TV and internet.
But something went wrong !!!!
And if somebody had asked me before this stupid action I could have told you...........but GP did not ask !!!

So now take things as they are....... Your "professionel heroes" will face justice i Court of Murmansk end of novemeber............ and then you can start crying MUCH more than you do now !!! :-)

When I read your lines I really do not understand what kind of people you are !!!
I have 2 children, well educated, both with degrees from University............. but they do NOT talk in these steroid stupid words !!! They both have well paid jobs in companies who are aware of nature, CSR and they do a lot for the wealth of their employees.
But NONE of my children ever would do same stupid actions like GP. The first problem for them is..........they respect other peoples property !!! What a stupidity: Professional heroes ...............
Be sure, if russians think they are............they all will get a medal !!! Professional Heroes of the Arctic !!! :-)

What cooperations I support ????
Does GP not support BP when buying petrol from this multinational company ??? Or is their buying of thousands of litres of polluting diesel oil for their Mak engine not a support of BP ??? Does GP get cheaper prices, cleaned for earnings for the company so GP still can be this heroic protector ???

You live in a dreamworld and you do not see reality around you!!!!

"You criticize the US for Agent Orange, Guantanamo, the wars in Viet Nam, Iraq, Afghanistan, etc. Don't you realize that Greenpeace has always been against these abominations? " ............ your words...........
and what GP has done against all this ??? Was GP present when there was war in Vietnam ???

What actions GP has taken about these wars and disrespect of international laws ??? Tell me............I might be wrong, but I have seen no actions...........

Your words for me sound same way like a PROSTITUTE is talking about to protect VIRGINITY ........... :-)

"Focusing on a piddling amount of fuel spent by Greenpeace activists needed to light the world, compared to the 80 million barrels of oil and it's carbon released into our atmosphere and oceans every day."........................your words !!!

Lightening the world ............. how heroic !!! I have not seen this GP-light yet !!!! Is this "light" powered by solar cells and I first go out in evening ????

I have read on GP-web sites your "professional heroes" are complaining about conditions in russian jails.............. They are alone in a cell, no TV, no internet, no fitness studio.........what these "professionals" had expected ??? Hilton International ???
Not a reason to start another GP protest action for support of common russian people going to jail for some criminal acts ??????

They stay in russian jail according to russian law they have violated on same conditions like criminals in Russia do. Not better, not worse ........... professional reality !!!!!
And for your "professionell heroes" this should not be a problem at all !!!! But maybe it came like some VERY big surprise............... They have violated laws of RUSSIA !!!

...and thanks again listenin. No, the courts will not have the last word. You and I, Greenpeace and it's millions of supporters will. We will n...

...and thanks again listenin. No, the courts will not have the last word. You and I, Greenpeace and it's millions of supporters will. We will never forget or abandon them. We will not rest until justice is served and they are set free. Thank you Amnesty International, Avaaz, the World Wildlife Federation, Hillery Clinton, ...and all those that believe in a world free of corporate induced poisons. Our voices will not be silenced.

Court in Murmansk will have the Last word !!! At least as long as we talk about the next 15 years for y...

If you like it or not...........

Court in Murmansk will have the Last word !!! At least as long as we talk about the next 15 years for your heroes............... Court will take decision and these "professional heroes" will face justice according to russian law!!!!
And then all your supporters like AI, Avaaz, WWF and even Hillary Clinton can visit your "professional heroes" all the time they ever want !!!!
I hope russian authorities will find a nice place somewhere in the Arctic which your "professional heroes" like so much !!! It would be extra punishment if they choose a jail in warm subtropic Kaukasus......... :-)
It is amazing to read your words.......... in nearly same sentence you talk about capitalists, Hillary Clinton....... Vladimir Putin............

Your words: "We will not rest until justice is served and they are set free." You want say the Court in Murmansk is not justice ???

Why you not have same engagement about poor people staying for years in jail in Guantanomo??? What Hillary is saying about this glorious chapter of soon bankrupt US ???

listenin:
agree to disagree? About forever standing strong for the Arctic 30?
"... Greenpeace is multi-generational at it's co...

listenin:
agree to disagree? About forever standing strong for the Arctic 30?
"... Greenpeace is multi-generational at it's core, germapi. Improvement is a constant within it, again at its core. We actually keep pace with scientific study somewhat, more and less."
"Some will look at this specie and the ecology that sustains it, and apparently some will not."
Do we disagree? I thought not. Sorry if I am wrong, I assumed you stand with us? Please answer here or -

Germapi:
"What actions GP has taken about these wars and disrespect of international laws ??? Tell me............I might be wrong, but I have seen no actions..........."

You have seen no actions? Where have you been all these years? I hope this helps - http://www.gratefulchild.org/projects/gcweb/gc/html/stories_opinions/greenpeace.html
And you're German, right, ...and you talk about wars and invading other countries? Your bombers killed my relatives in Lithuania and England with unprovoked attacks, killing 50 million people worldwide, and 20 million alone, ...women and children in the Russia you seem to Love so much. How dare you...

Amazing !!! Really amazing !!!
Your answer again is written in this thypical stereotype GP-way. You assume I am German !!! Any reason why you...

Amazing !!! Really amazing !!!
Your answer again is written in this thypical stereotype GP-way. You assume I am German !!! Any reason why you have these thought???

But anyway.............. I do not only seem to love Russia.......... I even am married with russian woman for many years!!! And we have base both here and in Russia........... and for your information: "here" is not Germany............ Sorry !!! But we have lot of russian friends............. this year until now 21 of them visited us here !!! And you want know what their opinion is about this Greenpeace terror ??? I think better not !!!!

Do you know how many people were killed in Russia under regime of Stalin after WW II??? Do you know how many civilian people the US and British Forces have killed when bombing areas where innocent people were living ??? Hamburg, Dresden, Stuttgart, Kiel........... How many innocent civilians the US killed in Hiroshima and Nagasaki ??? How many in Vietnam, Iran, Afghanistan ???

If you are Lithuanian..........congratulations !! I visited Marijampole, Kaunas, Kleipeda and Telsiai (a friend of mine actually has a small business there employing some few hundeds of your countrymen..........) 2 months ago............ You are lucky being part of EU.......... amazing to see how much money EU is PUMPING into this state !!!!

Next country for EU to "conquer" is Ukraine......... but ukrainian people do not know what they want ............relation to EU or to Russia......... they will have to pay market price for russian gas and loose all russian support in Donetsk area............ they have to choose.............. And Russia will claim back Crimea................ You know why ???

This a blog from Brian Fitzgerald, head of communications at Greenpeace International. I think it should be included here. I think Brian is the most...

This a blog from Brian Fitzgerald, head of communications at Greenpeace International. I think it should be included here. I think Brian is the most brilliant and heartfelt person I have ever known. God bless you Brian and pray all those of this world might one day feel in their hearts as you do. You are the epitome of all that Greenpeace stands for.
http://blog.brian-fitzgerald.net/how-long-will-we-let-oil-rights-trump-human-rights#comments

Yesterday they used a picture on their web sites............ A policecar from Moscow with an "...

This Greenpeace is just AMAZING !!!!

Yesterday they used a picture on their web sites............ A policecar from Moscow with an "icebear" on backseat. This guy was arrested by Police and Greenpeace puts their stupid logo: Free the arctic 30's....... and we again have a nice and touching story !!!!

Now this picture is removed..........you know why ????

This guy wanted to protest AGAINST Greenpeace with a banner "We need ecologists.........NOT eco-terrorists !!!"

Police re-moved him from this tremendous GP-session to avoid any confrontation with the thousands of GP-activists and supporters.............
That is the real story life from Moscow...............not your GP fairy tales............ :-)